20 Amazing Hotels & Unique Places to Stay Around the World

Who doesn’t love having an amazing place to stay in any new city they visit? I’ve experienced many wonderful hotels, Airbnbs, and bed & breakfasts throughout the years, and today I’m sharing the absolute standouts. This list includes hotels and unique places to stay in Europe, the USA, Mexico, and Morocco (listed in that order) and is sure to suit most budgets.

Hotels + Unique Places to Stay

We’re not the type of travelers who spend that much time in our room, but we do love having a great place to check into. I always opt for the best-rated, best-located accommodation that money will allow. Which means I do a lot of research before I book. And, if the place is unique even better! So trust me when I say, you’ll enjoy any of these recommendations.

1. Hotel Thireas | Santorini, Greece

Hotel Thireas is located in Fira, Santorini, and offers the most stunning views of the island. When I booked this stay, I made sure I had a view of the island’s best angles. I wanted it all and Hotel Thireas delivered.

The rooms are modern and beautiful, the staff is friendly, and you get to enjoy a tasty breakfast from your balcony overlooking the sea and whitewashed town.

We visited on our anniversary, and they gave us a free upgrade, followed by roses and champagne. Couldn’t have asked for a better stay. Check availability for Hotel Thireas here.

photo source: hotel.hotelthireas.gr

2. Dimora Del Podesta | Positano, Italy

Positano is one of the most beautiful places we’ve ever visited. I knew that our B&B had to offer a way to take in all this beauty. Dimora Del Podesta was a perfect choice and quickly became one of my all-time favorite stays!

It’s a family-owned bed and breakfast located a little higher up in Positano. The owners and staff are all welcoming and helpful during your stay. I believe there are only 3 rooms, and each room has a balcony with a city/sea view.

Every morning they serve you a full breakfast on your balcony and it’s nothing short of magical. Occasionally, the owners will check in to see how they can help make your stay and visit in Positano even more memorable. They surely go above and beyond. Check availability here.

Read More: Things to Do in Positano

photo source: dimoradelpodesta.it

3. Pax House | Dingle, Ireland

I always rave about Dingle for a good reason. Not only is this small town charming, but our stay in the Pax House B&B is one we’ll remember forever. I’m considering going back for my 10th wedding anniversary and splurging on a room with a terrace this time.

But even if you go with a cheaper room, your stay here will be incredible. The lounge areas, as you see below, are open to the nature that surrounds you. The breakfast is made to order and caters to many dietary needs.

The hosts are kind and the whole area is so peaceful. We took a walk into town after checking in and learned that our immediate neighbors were cows and sheep. That’s a perfect scene for a city girl like me. Check availability for the Pax House here.

Read More: 17 Small Towns to Visit in Europe

photos source: pax-house.com

4. Adria Boutique Hotel | London, England

The Adria Boutique Hotel is some kind of wonderful. It’s a traditional Victorian townhouse with a mix of modern touches and a facade worth photographing. Our room had the most comfortable bed, rainfall showerhead, heated floors, free bottled water (stocked daily), plenty of space, and a great view.

Plus, their breakfast spread is impressive. I think it’s considered continental but they offer a buffet of options including mini green juices, any coffee you’d like, fresh jams, the whole deal. The hotel is located in the South Kensington district, which is a great area for your visit to London. Check availability here.

Read More: 4 Days in London

5. InterContinental Paris Le Grand | Paris, France

This is one of my favorite views and stays ever. Can you tell I have a lot of those? That’s why I’m writing this post. I want my extensive research and experiences to help you as well!

If you are celebrating something special or can afford the splurge, Intercontinental Paris is worth it. You will not regret the magic you’ll see from your balcony.

I was so grateful for the upgrade that they gave us. If you’re an IHG card member, you’ll have more chances of getting an upgrade. Our room had not one but two balconies that offered views of the Eiffel Tower. What a dream!

At night, we got to step out and watch the Eiffel Tower light show from our balcony and I was livin’ life. I’ll never forget that moment or that hotel. The rooms have either traditional or modern decor and the staff was all so kind to us. It’s well located too. Check availability here.

Read More: 48 Hours in Paris

photo source: ihg.com/intercontinental

6. Hotel San Cassiano – Residenza d’Epoca Ca’ Favaretto | Venice, Italy

This was the first hotel we stayed in for our honeymoon in 2011. It’s right on the Grand Canal, and we chose a room with a canal view.

The rooms are decorated in traditional Venetian style. They serve an excellent breakfast each morning including hot items which aren’t the norm.

The breakfast room has a balcony where you can sit and enjoy your meal with a gorgeous view of the canal. I loved sitting there every morning watching the city wake up. Seeing the locals boating their way to work or school, and the gondoliers starting their morning pickups. It’s an experience to be had while in Venice. Click here for availability.

Read More: 2 Days in Venice

photos source: sancassiano.it

7. Carter’s Rest B&B | Isle of Skye, Scotland

Carter’s Rest B&B was a freakin’ dream to stay in! It’s one of those locations where time doesn’t matter and all seems to stand still.

Carter’s Rest is located in Milovaig in the Isle of Skye, UK, several hours north of Edinburgh. They have about 3-4 rooms, an overall gorgeous home with insane views, and made-to-order breakfast every morning. The dining area has huge windows to be able to take in your surroundings.

I also enjoyed the view from our room window. I was able to see the sheep grazing all day long. The next morning I woke up and looked out the window to see that all the sheep were now replaced by cows. I wish all animals had that freedom. I loved experiencing it.

This B&B is in a great area of the Isle of Skye. It’s peaceful and dark so at night you can see the abundance of stars. Jorge tried to get a photo of the stars so we can show you, but he was shivering cold and almost crashed into a cow. Amazing.

Anyway, the B&B is within driving distance to a lot of great stops in Skye including the famous Neist Point Lighthouse. Check the latest prices here.

photo source: cartersrestskye.co.uk

8. Ballyseede Castle | County Kerry, Ireland

The beautiful Ballyseede Castle in County Kerry is a 4-star luxury castle hotel in Ireland. The castle is situated close to Tralee, on the famous Ring of Kerry. We did this drive from Dublin and the castle was a delightful stop.

The hotel is steeped in history and offers 30 acres of private gardens and woodland. The rooms are decorated tastefully, the lounges are luxurious, and if you’re lucky you’ll be greeted by one of their adorable dogs. Breakfast is normally included in your stay and served in one of their fancy dining rooms.

The best part is that the price doesn’t match the luxury offered. You can get a room for one or two without breaking the bank. Check the latest prices here. Also, ignore the first photos on the Booking site. That’s a lodge they offer bigger families that is separate from the castle.

photos source: ballyseedecastle.com

9. Hotel Indigo Leicester Square | London, England

Another goodie in London. Hotel Indigo is located in the West End’s theatre district near Soho and Chinatown. We were close to everything including the popular Regent Street. I’d say this is an ideal location if it is your first time visiting London.

The scene from our corner room was also fantastic. See the photo below.

They have a rooftop with a full bar and an inspiring view of London. The location honestly can’t be beaten. The beds are super comfy, the decor is modern, the shower was great and I’d stay again in a heartbeat. Check the latest prices here.

10. Salotto Borbonico Bed & Breakfast | Naples, Italy

A super friendly couple runs the place, it’s still rather new, and I think they have 4 guestrooms. What sold me were the views from the rooms! They offer a continental breakfast in the morning that is sufficient considering you need to save plenty of room for pizza while in Naples.

I could see so much of the city from my balcony alone. The B&B was clean, very affordable, and within walking distance, to all the places you’d want to visit in the city. The area also felt safe. An excellent choice for Naples. Check availability here.

Read More: One Day in Naples

11. Royal Mile View Airbnb | Edinburgh, Scotland

This Airbnb in Edinburgh, Scotland is a great find! It’s a stylish apartment located right in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town. It’s on the Royal Mile, so you get to people watch and sometimes hear the bagpipes being played through your window during the day.

Since the bedroom is facing the back end of the street, you’ll have complete silence and a cool view of the Writer’s Museum (as shown below). The host is, of course, a superhost. Click here to book.

Read More: Edinburgh Itinerary

photos source: airbnb.com

12. Porto Pacific Apartment | Porto, Portugal

This apartment is located right on Rua das Flores in Porto, Portugal. The ideal location to explore what Porto has to offer. You’ll be within walking distance to all the good spots.

The host is again a superhost, I rarely book an Airbnb that doesn’t have a superhost. He was responsive, thoughtful, and even welcomed us with some pasteis de nata (a traditional Portuguese pastry).

The apartment is bright, well decorated, and has a balcony to enjoy a meal or some wine. It’s facing the back of Rua das Flores so it’s quieter than expected. I also enjoyed the guest book he had available where previous guests wrote their recommendations for the city. We did try some of them!

If you’re visiting Porto, you won’t be disappointed with this wonderful Airbnb. Click here to book.

photos source: airbnb.com

13. Waldorf Astoria | Chicago, Illinois

The Waldorf Astoria is a french-inspired hotel located in the Gold Coast area of Chicago, my favorite neighborhood.

If you’re on the hunt for a hotel that has it all; great reviews, interior style, and a fireplace in the room (ultimate coziness during our brutal winters) then this would be it. The Waldorf Astoria also has a 14,000 square foot spa, a cafe, a restaurant, and a bar.

Our room came with a terrace that offered beautiful views of the city. I enjoyed photographing it night or day. I also enjoyed catching the sunrise over the impressive skyscrapers from the comfort of our room.

If you choose Waldorf, do not miss Margeaux Brasserie. It’s a 1920s Paris-inspired restaurant that serves some of the best french toast I’ve ever had. On Sundays, they have live music for brunch. Click here to book.

Read More: Waldorf Astoria Stay

photo source: waldorfastoria.com

14. Angad Arts Hotel | St. Louis, Missouri

A recent favorite! The Angad is like an art gallery combined with a hotel. You can choose your room by the color of emotion. Their choices are passionate red, green rejuvenation, happy yellow, or tranquility blue.

The concept is fun and the design is brilliant. They’ve thought of every detail. I loved our room and it makes me want to go back and stay in all the different colors. The hotel offers a rooftop with views of the city including the St. Louis Gateway Arch.

They also have a restaurant and bar onsite. On weekends, they have a DJ so you can easily join the party and not worry about your transportation.

It’s a beautiful and quirky hotel, and one of the best-rated ones in St. Louis! Click here for the latest prices and booking.

Read More: St. Louis Getaway

15. Airbnb Guesthouse | Los Angeles, California

I don’t know how such a simple Airbnb left such an impression on us, but our stay in LA was perfect. This guesthouse, located in historic West Adams/Jefferson Park, was a great choice. It’s right smack in the middle of all the main areas you will want to visit on your first trip to LA.

LA is huge, spread out, and not public transportation friendly, so you’ll need to rent a car. This guesthouse offers plenty of free street parking. We were also able to easily avoid the dreaded LA traffic on the highways by taking all the nearby side streets.

The area is safe, and Jorge very much enjoyed his morning runs on the streets lined with palm trees. The guesthouse was spotless, well decorated, and with the friendliest superhost. Besides the birds chirping like crazy at night, it was a quiet and peaceful area. Book your stay here.

Read More: 3 Days in Los Angeles

photos source: airbnb.com

16. Tamarack Lodge | Traverse City, Michigan 

The Tamarack is situated right along the beach in northern Michigan. Each suite has a full kitchen, fireplace, and balcony offering unparalleled scenic views of the bay.

The suite’s decor makes you feel like you’re staying somewhere in a faraway cabin. I wanted to move in!

The lodge offers tons of activities all year round and the staff is incredibly friendly. There’s also free parking available and you’ll be within driving distance to the center of Traverse City and the Old Mission Peninsula. I’m already planning my return! Click here to book your Tamarack Lodge stay.

Read More: Traverse City Fall Colors

photo source: tamaracklodgetc.com

17. King Charles Inn | Charleston, South Carolina

We stayed at the King Charles Inn during our second trip to Charleston (in wintertime) and loved our stay. It is located right in the downtown area. You’ll be able to walk to nearly everything you’d want to see including Rainbow Row, the historic district, and all the southern biscuits.

If you go when it’s a bit chillier, they have this lovely lounge with a fireplace. If you go during the summer months, they have an outdoor pool with another lounging area. They also have a full bar and restaurant so you can choose to have your cocktails anywhere in the hotel.

There’s also free private parking available, which is unheard of in that area. It was a huge plus for us because we drove in from Chicago. The staff was friendly, the room was clean, and I’d recommend it to anyone visiting Charleston. Click here to book your stay.

Read More: Charleston, SC Weekend Getaway

photos source: www.kingcharlesinn.com

18. Holiday Music Motel | Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin

Holiday Music Motel is a quirky motel situated near Door County, Wisconsin. We stayed there when doing a beautiful fall drive one October. I don’t normally book motels, but Holiday Music is so well-reviewed, seemed unique, and the price was affordable considering the season.

Once we arrived, I was more than pleased with my choice. We had free parking and our room was immaculate, I was shocked considering it’s a motel. However, you can tell that they pay attention to details. It’s a quirky little place with 1950s decor in all the rooms and lobby. I was honestly loving it!

The kitchen area, where they offer continental breakfast every morning looked like a 50s diner, even the dishes fit the era. The breakfast (included in the price) had cereals, yogurts, fresh doughnuts and muffins, orange juice, coffee, teas, etc. It was a great deal and a great base for our drive. Check availability here.

Read More: Fall Colors in Door County

19. Hotel Huitzilin | Coahuila, Mexico

Another unique place to stay is located in the small town of Arteaga in Coahuila, Mexico. You’ll be surrounded by mountains, nature, and a quietness that can be appreciated when you’re used to big city life. You’ll also get to experience the farm animals singing their favorite tune for you every morning.

The hotel grounds are colorful and decorated with a traditional Mexican flair. They also have a restaurant on-site and the food was incredible! There are several traditional dishes to choose from and we were loving everything we ordered.

Hotel Huitzilin is truly a one-of-a-kind experience. Contact them directly to book through their Facebook page or at hotelhuitzilin@gmail.com. They do have someone on staff that speaks English.

Read More: A Unique Stay in Mexico

20. Kam Kam Dunes Luxury Camp | Sahara Desert, Morocco

I wrote a long ol’ post on how much I cherished my stay at Kam Kam Dunes. If you are planning a trip to the Sahara Desert, this is definitely where you’ll want to book.

Kam Kam Dunes is considered a luxury camp. It is more along the lines of “glamping” than camping. There’s no roughing it here.

They have a gorgeous setup for their guests. The bed was comfortable, I felt safe, there were no bugs to be seen, and we never ran out of hot water! What more can you ask for in the desert?!

Your stay includes a private tent, breakfast and dinner, a camel ride for sunrise or sunset, and live (memorable) entertainment after dinner.

Depending on the package you choose, they will also pick you up from either Marrakech or Fes and bring you to the camp. It’s worth every penny. Click here for the latest prices.

Read More: Sahara Desert Luxury Camp

As always, I’ll keep updating this post the more we travel and experience new places. For now, I’d like to know where your most memorable stay was?

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